Imagine a world where HR teams are supercharged by AI, revolutionizing how companies manage their workforce. But here's where it gets controversial: what if this AI doesn't just assist HR—it becomes the HR team itself? That’s the bold vision behind Comp, a startup backed by Khosla’s Keith Rabois, which is shaking up the HR tech space, starting in Brazil.
Christophe Gerlach, a Cornell University graduate, spent nearly two years investing in HR tech startups for General Atlantic. Despite the thrill of investing, Gerlach felt the pull of entrepreneurship calling him back. During his time at Cornell, he co-founded and sold a food delivery startup with classmate Pedro Bobrow, a Brazilian native. Fast forward to late 2022, and the duo reunited, blending their expertise and cultural insights to launch Comp, an AI-powered HR tech startup focused on Brazil.
Comp’s mission is to transform HR operations with AI-driven software that handles tasks like recruiting, compensation policy-setting, and performance review system design. And this is the part most people miss: Comp doesn’t just rely on AI—it pairs its technology with “forward-deployed” experts, former HR executives who work directly with clients to craft strategies. These experts aren’t your typical consultants; Gerlach emphasizes they act as extensions of existing HR teams.
Here’s the twist: these HR executives also train Comp’s AI. They start by handling tasks manually, then use their expertise to teach the AI best practices. The goal? To eventually make Comp’s AI fully autonomous, capable of performing traditional HR functions without human intervention.
While Comp currently offers AI-supported services enhanced by professionals, its ultimate aim is to disrupt both traditional consultancies and HR software giants. As Gerlach puts it, “Rippling sells software to junior HR teams to make them more productive. We become the HR team.”
This ambitious vision caught the attention of Khosla Ventures, which led Comp’s $17.25 million Series A round this week—marking the firm’s first-ever investment in a Brazilian company. Keith Rabois, Khosla’s general partner, has joined Comp’s board as part of the deal.
Comp positions itself as an AI-driven alternative to traditional compensation consultancies like Mercer and Korn Ferry, while also competing with global HR platforms such as Rippling and Workday. Gerlach explains that Brazil’s lack of established HR software made it the perfect launchpad, allowing Comp to introduce a new, automated model without competing directly with legacy systems.
The strategy seems to be paying off: Comp’s client list includes Brazilian unicorns like Nubank, QuintoAndar, and Creditas. With traction in Brazil, the startup is now eyeing expansion into the U.S. and beyond.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Can AI truly replace human HR professionals, or will it always need a human touch? Gerlach’s vision is bold, but it raises important questions about the future of work. What do you think? Is Comp’s approach the future of HR, or is there something irreplaceable about human expertise? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Comp’s Series A round also included backing from Kaszek, Canary, Abstract Ventures, and Endeavor Catalyst. Marina Temkin, TechCrunch’s venture capital and startups reporter, covered the story. With a background in financial analysis and a CFA charterholder designation, Marina brings a sharp eye to the world of startups. Reach her at marina.temkin@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message on Signal at +1 347-683-3909.
